For this series of three photographs, my goal was to capture moments of life that often go unnoticed due to the constant motion and busyness around us. I aimed to explore the deeper significance of this movement and convey its importance. I believe I have successfully achieved this objective, as all three images in the series effectively illustrate the movement of either car on the road or the various motions of people. For the photographs showing human subjects, I intentionally chose a vertical orientation to clearly emphasize the central focus on the movement of the individuals, without distracting elements in the surrounding environment. On the other hand, the landscape-oriented images of car movement allow the audience to clearly discern the small, intricate details of the motion occurring on the roadways.

On a personal level, the human subjects featured in these photographs are my closest friends, while the car-focused images were taken on the very roads I travel daily. These are scenes and people that hold deep meaning and significance for me. Through this series, I sought to prompt the viewer to slow down, observe, and appreciate the often overlooked, yet profound movements that pervade our daily lives. By highlighting both the grand sweeps of motion as well as the subtle gestures, I hope to inspire a greater sense of mindfulness and connection within the audience.

The two artists who have inspired my work are Ernst Haas and Alexey Titarenko. Ernst Haas has influenced my use of low shutter speed, allowing me to convey a sense of motion and energy in my photographs. His innovative approach to combining movements within a single image, along with his vibrant color palette, taught me how to highlight the main subjects effectively. In contrast, Alexey Titarenko captures the ethereal figures, using long exposure times to create blurred, ghostly forms. His work has shown me how to portray the movements of cars and people in a more compelling and dynamic manner.

To develop my ideas for this project, I experimented with the movements of both humans and cars. I had my model run in circles and wave while wearing different outfits, which allowed me to capture a wavy, dynamic effect with a shutter speed of 1/2 second. However, I encountered a challenge while photographing cars on the road. Since I was inside a moving vehicle, bumps in the road often resulted in a series of wiggly lines in the images. This taught me to time my shots more carefully. Initially, during my practice sessions, I only photographed friends at school. For this final series, I ventured outside the school and took pictures of a wider variety of people in different locations, which helped to diversify my images.

My first image uses motion blur to create an immersive, high-energy impression of rapid motion, whether it be a vehicle or some other fast-moving subject. The blurred, streaked elements draw the viewer’s eye through the frame, evoking a visceral feeling of speed and momentum. In contrast, the second photograph takes a more introspective, subjective approach, using slower shutter speeds to render the human figure as a ghostly, ethereal presence. This creates a meditative, melancholic tone that explores the transient, elusive nature of movement and human experience. The third image, with its landscape orientation and emphasis on the small details of car motion, demonstrates a keen eye for observing the nuances of movement in everyday settings. The multiple layers of blurred lines and forms convey a sense of depth and interconnectedness, inviting the viewer to slow down and appreciate the complexity within the seemingly mundane. While these three photographs work well individually to explore the theme of movement, a potential weakness could be a lack of cohesion or narrative flow when viewed as a series. The stylistic and thematic differences, while compelling on their own, may not fully harmonize into a cohesive, compelling body of work. Careful sequencing and curation could help bridge these disparate approaches and create a more unified, impactful presentation.

The title of my work is “Whispers of the Smaller.” I chose this title because it evokes a sense of subtlety and introspection, inviting the audience to consider the often-overlooked aspects of life that carry profound significance. The term “whispers” suggests quietness and intimacy, implying that the smaller elements—whether they are the passing of time or fleeting moments—can communicate powerful messages and emotions. This title contrasts the grand with the ordinary, encouraging viewers to slow down and appreciate the intricate details that may typically go unnoticed. It evokes a sense of curiosity and reflection, suggesting that within the quieter, smaller aspects of existence lies a wealth of meaning waiting to be explored. Ultimately, “Whispers of the Smaller” serves as an invitation to engage more deeply with the subtle nuances of life, highlighting their importance in shaping our understanding and experience of the world.